Evaluations of the effectiveness of government programs may serve both to improve program implementation and to convey to policymakers information on the effectiveness of these programs. However, the evidence generated from programs and their providers--perhaps especially when these programs are decentralized and implemented and run locally--may…

A system was developed to evaluate the impact and effectiveness of transition services for special education students in Maine. The project's three phases included preliminary activities relevant to the development of the evaluation system; activities in developing, field testing, and revising the evaluation strategy; and selecting and evaluating…

This volume contains tables of results to accompany an executive summary produced for a project which evaluated the impact and effectiveness of transition services for special education students in Maine. The tables contain data for each of the 21 participating school districts, covering the following program evaluation components: staff survey…

The report presents findings of an examination and followup of language intervention for language delayed preschoolers. Three objectives were addressed: to develop and use a strategy for assessing the long-term outcomes resulting from language training programs, before, during, and after the transition period from special preschool programs to the…

Examines retraining transition processes as a basis for understanding adult learning and career change. Distinguishes between frame breaking and incremental change, describes associated learning methods, outlines transitional phases, and considers relationships between degrees of change and coping styles. Finds that variables reflecting career…

Describes the rationale for the Camden (New Jersey) Direct Instruction project, an instructional system used in elementary schools. Presents two studies completed by the project in 1984-85: a study of the improvement of reading instruction and a study of the use of Direct Instruction in "transitional classrooms" with students having…

Followup of 66 graduates of a noncategorical intervention program for mildly and moderately impaired preschoolers revealed that, in general, graduates made a successful transition to elementary school. Teacher and parent ratings were favorable, and 58% of the sample were assigned to regular kindergarten or nursery school placement. (Author/CL)

Interviews with six participants in an exemplary transitional housing program for homeless persons identified attitudes and behaviors contributing to success or failure, community resources contributing to success, and program aspects participants found difficult. Results yielded principles for program implementation, staffing, and improvement.…

Reports results of a Minnesota field-based study indicating that prerelease/transition programming and support must begin upon entry, continue during incarceration, and continue after release. Lists 10 areas of focus for effective programs and includes an annotated bibliography of 12 manuals and resources for transition programs. (JOW)

The paper reports on application of a case-by-case reintegration approach to helping 10 behaviorally disordered elementary students transition into less restrictive environments. The strategy combined transenvironmental programing, student-directed interventions, and collaborative consultation. Effectiveness was suggested by the number of students…

Minnie Howard School, just outside Washington, D.C., caters exclusively to 14-year olds. Started seven years ago to relieve enrollment pressures, the school protects its 747 9th graders from typical high-school pressures and has reduced suspension and truancy, enrolled more kids in honors classes, and enticed privately educated students back to…

Assessed the effectiveness of an intense, year-long experience of course work, research, and personal development for underrepresented minority students before medical school. Program participants demonstrated competency in the first year of medical school consistent with traditional students even though they had lower MCAT scores and college…

Regardless of the quality of their preservice preparation programs, new teachers often leave the teaching profession; special education teachers are almost twice as likely to leave as general education teachers and more likely to leave within the first five years of employment (Claycomb, 2000; Crutchfield, 1997). Induction programs typically…

The purpose of this article is to outline how motivation of first year university students can be enhanced through effective pedagogic practices and to discuss policy level decisions that impact upon the cultivation of student motivation. It reports on practices within a specific first year unit, Understanding University Learning, which…

Although transition outcomes for youth with disabilities have shown some improvement and transition support practices have been identified, many young people continue to face transition barriers that preclude their full participation in key adult life activities. While research efforts have largely been professionally driven, there is emerging…